Book - Live Long Die Short - Roger Landry – Successful Aging

Retire RIchly - Live Long Die Short - Aging - Longevity - Roger Landry - Happy retired man

Retire RIchly - Live Long Die Short - Successful Aging - Roger Landry - Happy retired man

"Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging" by Dr Roger Landry presents a powerful and empowering message - how we age is entirely up to us. The book emphatically challenges the widespread belief that our aging journey is predetermined by genetics or simply a matter of luck. A veteran US Air Force flight surgeon, Dr Landry introduces the pivotal concepts of "Authentic Health" and "Successful Aging". These seek to extend lifespan and to seek longevity through successful aging. But they also strive to maximize quality of life to minimize the period of decline at life’s end. Hence the title - Live Long, Die Short.

RATINGS FOR LIVE LONG DIE SHORT BY ROGER LANDRY - LONGEVITY

Goodreads 3.7/5.0
Amazon 4.4/5.0

LIVE LONG DIE SHORT - TOP THEMES OF PROACTIVE RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE TO DEFER AGING

Your Aging Path is Largely Within Your Control. Dr. Roger Landry’s Live Long, Die Short fundamentally challenges the long-held belief that how we age is primarily dictated by genetics or luck. Based on the seminal MacArthur Foundation study, the book powerfully asserts that "how we age is mostly up to us". This empowering message dismantles aging stereotypes and self-fulfilling prophecies, presenting a clear road map to maximize not just the quantity but also the quality of life. It's never too late to make a difference and change your own aging trajectory, regardless of past choices or current circumstances. The book emphasizes that we are indeed in the driver’s seat, capable of influencing whether we experience decline or continued growth.

Align with Your "Authentic Needs" for True Health. The book introduces the vital concept of "authentic health," defining it as "genuine vitality consistent with our human origins and individual nature". Dr. Landry explains that humans are essentially "2.0-version" beings living in a "10.0 world," leading to maladaptation because our physiological systems haven't evolved as rapidly as our modern environment. True well-being, the book argues, stems from meeting these deeply rooted "authentic needs" – wired into our DNA from eons of human existence – rather than chasing trendy health fads. Understanding these foundational requirements provides a "gold standard" for evaluating health claims and navigating the complex world of wellness advice.

Embrace a Holistic Lifestyle through Small, Consistent Actions. At the heart of the book’s actionable advice is the call to cultivate a holistic lifestyle, seeing well-being as a "symphony" where physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual elements blend in harmony. The book’s "Ten Tips" are practical strategies to build this "whole-person strength" and resilience, directly addressing the core needs identified by the MacArthur Study and ancestral wisdom. Crucially, the book champions the "kaizen" approach: achieving significant, lasting change not through daunting, large efforts but through "small, easily achievable goals". This incremental method avoids fear, fosters confidence, and makes profound lifestyle transformation accessible to everyone.

How we age is mostly up to us.
— Dr Roger Landry - Author - Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is a habit.
— Dr Roger Landry - Author - Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging

LIVE LONG DIE SHORT - KEY POINTS ON AGING, LONGEVITY AND LIFESPAN

The Transformative Power of the MacArthur Study: This landmark research, initiated by visionary Jonas Salk, fundamentally shifted the understanding of aging. Prior to it, the focus was overwhelmingly on decline and infirmity. The MacArthur Study, however, specifically investigated successful aging, revealing that lifestyle choices are paramount, influencing 70% of physical and 50% of intellectual differences in aging outcomes. Its most profound insight was the concept of "compression of morbidity," demonstrating that by living a healthy lifestyle, individuals can significantly shorten the period of illness and impairment at the end of life, leading to a "short" rather than protracted decline. This revelation smashed the fatalistic stereotypes of aging, proving that it is largely within an individual's control.

The "Big Three" Characteristics of Successful Aging: Building on the MacArthur study, the book emphasizes three defining traits of those who age well: 1) High mental and physical function, achieved by consistently challenging oneself physically and intellectually. 2) Low risk of disease and disease-related disability, which involves actively identifying and mitigating personal health risks. 3) Active engagement in life, encompassing strong social connections with friends and family, and a profound sense of meaning and purpose. These three characteristics are not merely desirable; they are, according to the book, the very definition of successful aging.

Authentic Health Rooted in Ancestral Needs: A unique and compelling aspect of the book is its deep dive into human evolutionary history. Landry argues that our "authentic needs" for health and well-being are hardwired into our DNA, shaped over eons in hunter-gatherer societies. These include consistent physical movement, deep social connection, a clear sense of purpose, a diet rich in whole, natural foods, and minimal chronic stress. The book highlights the profound "maladaptation" of modern human physiology to our rapidly developed, sedentary, isolated, and high-stress "digital world." By consciously aligning our modern lifestyles with these ancient, inherent needs, the book suggests we can unlock true, authentic health.

The "Ten Tips to Achieve Authentic Health and Successful Aging": This forms the practical backbone of the book, providing actionable, implementable strategies for readers. These tips are comprehensive, covering areas such as:

  • Use It or Lose It - emphasizing continuous physical and mental activity

  • Keep Moving - stressing the profound benefits of daily physical movement, even modest amounts

  • Challenge Your Brain - highlighting neuroplasticity and the importance of lifelong learning

  • Stay Connected - underscoring the vital role of social relationships

  • Lower Your Risks - focusing on managing chronic disease factors and stress

  • Never 'Act Your Age - challenging ageist expectations and promoting continuous growth

  • Wherever You Are, Be There - advocating for mindfulness and presence over constant mental chatter

  • Find Your Purpose - linking purpose to satisfaction and longevity

  • Have Children in Your Life - exploring the intergenerational benefits of connection with youth

  • Laugh to a Better Life - revealing the physiological and psychological benefits of humor

The Kaizen Approach to Change: Recognizing that grand resolutions often fail, Dr. Landry champions the Japanese concept of Kaizen – the art of making small, incremental changes. This method is particularly powerful because it bypasses the brain's innate fear response to large, overwhelming changes. By focusing on "ridiculously small steps" – like walking an extra ten steps a day or learning one new word in a language – individuals can consistently build success without triggering the self-sabotaging fear that often derails larger efforts. This subtle but profound shift in approach is presented as key to sustainable behavior modification.

The Masterpiece Living Initiative: This is not just a theoretical framework but an applied, real-world movement spearheaded by Dr. Landry. Masterpiece Living partners with senior living communities, applying the principles of successful aging to transform environments into places that foster growth, engagement, and purpose for older adults. The book shares compelling data and anecdotal evidence from these communities, demonstrating significant improvements in residents' health, mobility, and overall quality of life. The ultimate goal of Masterpiece Living extends beyond individual communities to influencing public policy, aiming to establish a societal culture where aging is revered and older adults are seen as a valuable resource rather than a burden.

PERSPECTIVE OF ROGER LANDRY, AUTHOR OF LIVE LONG DIE SHORT

Dr. Roger Landry's background deeply shapes the insights and practical advice offered in "Live Long, Die Short." As a preventive-medicine physician with over twenty-three years as an Air Force flight surgeon, rising to the rank of highly decorated full colonel and chief flight surgeon, Landry brings a unique perspective. His military career focused intensely on keeping aviators "healthy and performing at their best" – viewing them as critical, multimillion-dollar resources. This experience instilled in him a profound appreciation for proactive health management and peak performance.

His personal turning point came after retiring from the Air Force, when he observed that prevention was often deemed "unprofitable" in the private healthcare industry. This stark realization fueled his desire to find environments that incentivized health, leading him to join the Healthy Aging Working Group and ultimately to become president of Masterpiece Living. His narrative is infused with personal anecdotes, from his interactions with legendary test pilot Chuck Yeager (who defied ageist stereotypes) to his own journey overcoming a debilitating leg injury and subsequent depression. These stories lend credibility and a deeply human touch to his scientific explanations.

Landry describes himself as a humanist, husband, father, grandfather, and a lifelong learner, engaging in activities like biking, kayaking, and meditation. This personal philosophy permeates the book, emphasizing optimism, living in the present moment, and continuous growth as fundamental to a fulfilling life, regardless of age. He candidly shares his own "aha" moments and struggles, making his insights relatable and his guidance empathetic yet motivating.

Never Act Your Age.
— Dr Roger Landry - Author - Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging
Resilience is the holy grail of successful aging.
— Dr Roger Landry - Author - Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging

LIVE LONG DIE SHORT – SCIENTIFIC, ACTIONABLE, OPTIMISTIC MESSAGES ON AGING

Scientifically Rigorous Yet Accessible: The book is praised for its "up-to-date science" and "scientifically sound recommendations." It skillfully translates complex research, particularly from the MacArthur Foundation study, into engaging and understandable prose. This balance ensures that the advice is not only credible but also actionable for a general readership. The Masterpiece Living initiative, the practical application of Landry's theories, is itself born from and continually refined by robust research and data analysis.

Profoundly Practical and Actionable: Landry’s work is designed as a "practical guide" offering "implementable, life-altering strategies." The "Ten Tips" are broken down into concrete, achievable actions, further reinforced by "Masterpiece Living Pearls" that provide specific, easy-to-follow suggestions. This focus on "teaching you to fish" rather than simply "giving you the proverbial fish" empowers readers to make lasting changes.

Holistic and Integrated Approach: A significant strength is its comprehensive "holistic approach," which views health as a "symphony" where physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual well-being are interdependent and equally vital. It moves beyond the fragmented medical model, emphasizing that strengthening one area positively impacts others, building a "whole-person strength" that fosters resilience against life's challenges.

Empowering and Optimistic Message: The book's core message is one of profound empowerment, challenging the fatalism often associated with aging. It replaces prevailing stereotypes with "evidenced-based attitudes and behaviors", assuring readers that they are "in the driver's seat" of their aging journey. This hopeful and honest perspective is a breath of fresh air for those who feel resigned to decline. The numerous compelling anecdotes of older adults defying expectations (like Nola earning master's degree at 98, Ethel directing a Broadway-style show at 90, or George's indomitable laughter at 98) serve as powerful inspirations.

Engaging and Reassuring Prose: Reviewers consistently highlight Landry's "beautifully written" and "fluid, reassuring prose." His conversational style draws readers in, making the journey through often-complex scientific and philosophical concepts enjoyable. The inclusion of personal stories and vivid metaphors (like the autumn leaf analogy for "dying short") creates a deeply relatable and memorable reading experience.

Addresses Core Human Challenges: The book does not shy away from confronting common obstacles to successful aging, such as the fear of change, the perils of chronic stress ("the Big Uneasy"), the dangers of social isolation, and the often self-imposed limitations of low expectations. By acknowledging these deeply rooted human tendencies, it provides a more realistic and effective framework for overcoming them.

LIVE LONG DIE SHORT - SOME REPETITIVE, PROMOTIONAL, SENSATIONAL CONTENT

Repetitive Reinforcement: The book's core messages—such as the importance of "authentic needs," the "use it or lose it" principle, or the efficacy of "small steps"—are reiterated frequently across chapters. While this repetition can serve to reinforce key concepts, it may occasionally feel redundant to a reader consuming the book from cover to cover. A more varied presentation of these foundational ideas could enhance flow for continuous reading.

Implicit Self-Promotion: The extensive detailing of the Masterpiece Living initiative, including its history, development, pilot study results, and ongoing partnerships, while central to the author's work and the application of his theories, leans at times toward self-promotion. Although presented as concrete evidence of the book's principles in action, the sheer volume of information about the organization might feel slightly promotional within a general non-fiction review, potentially distracting from the universal message.

Limited Exploration of Counterarguments/Nuance: While the book effectively champions its evidence-based approach to successful aging, it primarily focuses on presenting and supporting its own paradigm. There is less explicit engagement with alternative perspectives or deeper critiques of the successful aging concept itself, beyond the general societal ageism it aims to dismantle. Acknowledging and briefly discussing more nuanced debates within gerontology or health philosophy could add further depth.

Occasional Sensational Language: Although grounded in science, some language used to describe the benefits or outcomes, such as calling BDNF "Miracle-Gro" for the brain or describing pilot results as "stunning," occasionally borders on sensationalism. While designed to be motivating, a slightly more consistently measured tone could enhance the perceived scientific rigor without sacrificing the empowering message.

Movement is a medicine for creating change.
— Dr Roger Landry - Author - Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging
Not accept the status quo of aging as decline.
— Dr Roger Landry - Author - Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging

WHO SHOULD READ LIVE LONG DIE SHORT, A BOOK ON SUCCESSFUL AGING?

Baby Boomers: Given that "ten thousand Baby Boomers turn sixty-five each day," this demographic is explicitly identified as a key target audience, as they seek a "road map" for charting their journey into later life.

Individuals actively "struggling to age in a better way": Those seeking practical, empathetic guidance on navigating the challenges of health and aging will find invaluable strategies.

Curious, well-educated, active, positive, and health-concerned individuals: The book's engaging prose and evidence-based content will resonate with those who are early adopters of new ideas and are proactively seeking to improve their well-being.

Family members and caregivers: Those supporting older adults will gain insights into fostering environments that promote vitality and growth rather than accelerating decline.

Organizations, towns, cities, and policymakers: The book serves as a call to action for societal-level change, urging the incorporation of evidence-based aging principles into public policy and community structures.

Professionals in senior living, healthcare, and wellness industries: Especially relevant for those looking to evolve their models of care from purely comfort- and security-focused to growth- and purpose-driven "Centers for Successful Aging."

WHAT ARE SIMILAR BOOKS ON AGING, LONGEVITY OR LIFESPAN?

"Successful Aging" by John Wallace Rowe and Robert L. Kahn: This foundational book, born from the MacArthur Foundation study, is the direct scientific inspiration for Dr. Landry's work. His book essentially operationalizes and applies the research findings presented by Rowe and Kahn.

"What Are Old People For: How Elders Will Save the World" by William Thomas, MD: Dr. Thomas, a pioneer in elderhood and founder of the Eden Alternative, praises Landry's book, indicating a shared philosophy on the potential and value of elders. Landry himself references the Eden Alternative's principles of combating loneliness, helplessness, and boredom in care environments.

"Train Your Brain: How to Maximize Memory Ability in Older Adulthood" by Dr. Robert Winningham: A colleague of Dr. Landry, Winningham's work on cognitive function echoes the strong emphasis in "Live Long, Die Short" on lifelong brain stimulation and lifestyle's impact on brain health.

  • "The Blue Zones" by Dan Buettner: This National Geographic-backed exploration of centenarian hotspots provides real-world examples that validate Landry's concept of "authentic needs," showing remarkable commonalities in lifestyle characteristics (e.g., strong social connections, plant-based diets, constant moderate physical activity).

  • "One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way" by Robert Maurer: Landry explicitly credits and integrates Maurer's Kaizen methodology, which advocates for making tiny, non-threatening changes to achieve significant, lasting behavioral shifts.

  • Works on Stress and Mindfulness (e.g., Robert Sapolsky's "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers," Bruce McEwen's "The End of Stress As We Know It," Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now," Jill Bolte Taylor's "My Stroke of Insight"): Landry frequently cites these authors and their work to explain the physiological and psychological impacts of chronic stress and the benefits of mindfulness and presence.

  • Sociological Studies on Social Connection (e.g., Robert Putnam's "Bowling Alone"): The book references Putnam's research to underscore the declining social capital in modern society and its detrimental effects on health, reinforcing the importance of social engagement.

  • Works on Demographic Shifts (e.g., Ken Dychtwald's "Age Wave" and "Age Power"): Landry engages with Dychtwald's predictions about the aging population's impact on society, framing the book as a response to the opportunities and challenges of this "Age Wave."

Evidenced-based attitudes and behaviors can transform the aging experience.
— Dr Roger Landry - Author - Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging
We can indeed shorten the length of our period of decline.
— Dr Roger Landry - Author - Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging

WHAT DOES LIVE LONG DIE SHORT DIFFER TO OTHER AGING BOOKS?

The "Authentic Health" Framework: What truly sets this book apart is its unique framing of successful aging through the lens of human evolution and "authentic needs." Landry posits that our modern health crises stem from a fundamental mismatch between our ancient, hardwired physiological and psychological needs (developed over eons as hunter-gatherers) and our contemporary lifestyles. This provides a compelling, deep-rooted rationale for the recommended lifestyle changes, moving beyond superficial health fads to foundational human requirements.

Applied Research and Measurable Outcomes (Masterpiece Living): Unlike many academic books that present research findings, or self-help books that offer anecdotal advice, "Live Long, Die Short" is rooted in the tangible, proven application of scientific principles through the Masterpiece Living initiative. It showcases how these principles have been systematically applied in senior living communities, demonstrating measurable improvements in health outcomes. This blend of rigorous science and real-world results offers a unique, evidence-backed model for change.

Emphasis on "Culture" as a Catalyst for Growth: Landry strongly differentiates his approach by emphasizing that individual lifestyle changes are exponentially more successful when fostered within a "facilitative culture." This means creating environments (whether senior living communities, towns, or cities) that actively dispel ageism, believe in continuous growth for older adults, and provide systematic opportunities for physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual development. This focus on environmental and cultural transformation, rather than solely individual effort, is a powerful and distinctive aspect.

Empowering "How-to-Fish" Philosophy: The book goes beyond merely listing healthy behaviors; it equips readers with the critical thinking tools (the "gold standard" of authentic needs) to evaluate new health information for themselves. This emphasis on lifelong learning and self-empowerment to navigate complex health advice is a unique and invaluable offering.

Integrated "Symphony of Health" Metaphor: While other works may touch on multiple aspects of well-being, Landry vividly articulates the concept of health as a "symphony," where all physical, mental, social, and spiritual "instruments" must be in harmony. This holistic perspective is deeply ingrained throughout the book, illustrating the interconnectedness of all lifestyle choices and their cumulative impact on overall well-being and resilience.

The "Live Long, Die Short" Mantra: This memorable phrase encapsulates the book's ultimate aspiration for the end-of-life experience, providing a clear, concise, and desirable goal that resonates strongly and differentiates it from more generic "healthy aging" messaging.

LIVE LONG DIE SHORT – ROGER LANDRY – CONCLUSION – RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE

"Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging" is a highly impactful and essential read for anyone contemplating the journey of aging. Dr. Roger Landry, drawing from his extensive medical background and the profound insights of the MacArthur Study, delivers a message that is both scientifically robust and deeply human. He skillfully dismantles the pervasive myth of aging as an inevitable decline, replacing it with an empowering vision of sustained vitality, purpose, and engagement.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its practicality and holistic approach. It's not just a collection of facts but a comprehensive guide, offering a clear framework for understanding and enacting meaningful lifestyle changes. From the revolutionary concept of "authentic needs" rooted in our ancestral past to the actionable "Ten Tips" and the transformative power of "Kaizen," Landry provides the tools for readers to reclaim agency over their own aging process. The numerous inspiring stories of older adults who defy conventional expectations underscore the book's core tenet: that continuous growth—physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual—is not only possible but also the key to a fulfilling later life.

While some minor repetition in phrasing exists and the inherent link to the Masterpiece Living organization is prominent, these do not detract significantly from the overall value. The book is a profound call to action, urging individuals to become "warriors" for their own health and challenging society to embrace an enlightened view of its aging population as a valuable resource. It compels us to move beyond passive acceptance and actively cultivate a life that is vibrant, purposeful, and, in the end, magnificently lived. "Live Long, Die Short" will undoubtedly change your expectations of aging and provide you with a powerful sense of control over the "masterpiece" that is your life.

Be the very best you can be, for as long as possible.
— Dr Roger Landry - Author - Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging
Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.
— Dr Roger Landry - Author - Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - LIVE LONG DIE SHORT BY ROGER LANDRY

What is "Live Long, Die Short" about, and what is its main message?

Dr. Roger Landry's book - Live Long, Die Short - is an engaging guide to a better life that translates up-to-date science related to human wellness and vitality. Its central message is that both society and the individual can do much more to ensure we live our best lives as we age. The book blows up long-standing aging stereotypes and self-fulfilling prophecies, replacing them with evidence-based attitudes and behaviors that can transform the aging experience for individuals and those they touch. It provides a road map to truly maximize not only quantity but also quality of life, teaching that each and every one of us is in the driver’s seat and in control of how we age. Ultimately, the goal is to help you be the very best you can be, for as long as possible. It's a call to action to incorporate learned knowledge about aging into opinions, practices, and ways of living, so that all can reach their full potential at any age, and not accept the status quo of aging as decline.

Who is Dr. Roger Landry, the author, and what is his background?

Dr. Roger Landry is a preventive-medicine physician who specializes in building environments that empower older adults to maximize their unique potential. He trained at Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard University School of Public Health. Dr. Landry had a distinguished career as a flight surgeon in the US Air Force for over twenty-two years, keeping pilots and other aircrew healthy and performing at their best. He retired as a highly decorated full colonel and chief flight surgeon at the Air Force Surgeon General's Office. After his military career, he spent a shorter period in the private healthcare industry before embarking on a third career as a key player in the development and demonstration of a life-changing pattern of successful aging. He is now the president of Masterpiece Living, an organization dedicated to changing how people age by partnering with communities to help them become "destinations for continued growth". His diverse experiences—including preventive medicine, public health, social research on aging, and cultural and biological anthropology—have blended to create his unique voice on the topic.

What does Dr. Landry mean by "authentic health" and "successful aging"?

Authentic Health: Dr. Landry defines "authentic health" as a concept that is "so simple and rational, yet a breakthrough in our understanding of what makes us healthy". It refers to genuine vitality consistent with our human origins and individual nature. It's a state of well-being based on what humans require to maintain health and age well, stemming from "authentic needs" that are solidly based on who we are as humans and firmly established over eons of human existence. It's about being true to our basic needs, wired into our DNA, rather than chasing fleeting health fads.

Successful Aging: This concept is centrally defined by the MacArthur Foundation study, which found that those who age successfully exhibit and maintain three key characteristics - High mental and physical function; Low risk of disease and disease-related disability; Active engagement in life.

What scientific evidence or research supports the book's recommendations?

Dr. Landry emphasizes the scientific validity of the information, noting that Masterpiece Living, the initiative described in the book, emerged from ten years of surveys and experiments supported by the MacArthur Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Key research foundations mentioned include:

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation's Research Network on Successful Aging: This decade-long study, initiated in 1984 by Jonas Salk, challenged previous approaches that focused only on decline, instead focusing on vitality and resilience in older adults. Its major finding was that how we age is mostly up to us, influencing our stereotypes of aging.

"Successful Aging" by Drs. Jack Rowe and Bob Kahn: This book, published in 1998, accounted for the MacArthur study's results and debunked myths about aging, igniting Larry Landry (Dr. Roger Landry's brother) to apply the findings.

New Discoveries in Brain Health: The book highlights advances in understanding neuroplasticity (the brain's capacity to change and rewire throughout life) and neurogenesis (the ability to make new brain cells), challenging the old belief that the adult brain is stagnant.

Longitudinal Studies: Studies like the New England Centenarian Study and others in Alameda, Tecumseh, Scandinavia, and Japan, have established a strong link between social connection and health. The discovery of "Blue Zones", areas of extreme longevity worldwide, also shows surprising commonality with MacArthur Study findings and ancestral hunter-gatherer traits.

Can readers truly change their aging experience, and how does the book address common challenges to change?

The book strongly asserts that readers can truly change their aging experience. The MacArthur Study clearly proved that how we age is mostly up to us, determined by our lifestyle and choices, challenging the belief that genes or luck are the primary determinants. Dr. Landry states, "It is never too late to make a difference, to change the slope of our own aging curve". Even when life presents challenges and abilities are lost, it is "absolutely possible, and in fact necessary," to respond deliberately to stabilize or regain function. The book specifically addresses common challenges to change, especially the human tendency to resist it:

Fear and Resistance to Large Change: Dr. Landry explains that humans are "wired to fear and resist large change," and our culture often values only large, drastic transformations. This fear, rooted in the brain's physiology (specifically the amygdala), can "prevent creativity, change, and success".

"Winging It" Approach: Most people "suck at" self-imposed change because they lack a systematic approach.

Overcoming Challenges with "Kaizen": Dr. Landry advocates for kaizen, the Japanese technique for making change through small, easily achievable goals that are so minor they do not trigger the brain's fear response. This allows for "mind sculpture" (imagining oneself performing the activity) to rewire the brain without fear. The concept is that "if we change our direction only slightly, by just two or three degrees, in time we will end up at destination B, a long way from destination A!". Success with small steps builds confidence and leads to larger, lasting changes.

Patience and Persistence: The author emphasizes that lifestyle change is a "long and thoughtful journey", requiring patience with oneself and a focus on incremental progress rather than instant results.

Maximize not only quantity but also quality of life.
— Dr Roger Landry - Author - Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging
The interaction of multiple lifestyle factors is a positive health multiplier.
— Dr Roger Landry - Author - Live Long, Die Short - A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging

ABOUT DOCTOR ROGER LANDRY, AUTHOR LIVE LONG DIE SHORT – A GUIDE TO AUTHENTIC HEALTH AND SUCCESSFUL AGING

Dr. Roger Landry is a specialist physician within aging. He strives to help adults to achieve longevity, successful aging, and active retirement health. Dr Landry has qualifications from Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard University School of Public Health. Dr Landry is the president of Masterpiece Living, a group of aging-specific medical specialists.

Dr. Landry retired as a highly decorated full colonel and chief flight surgeon at the Air Force Surgeon General's Office after duty on five continents, over twenty-two years. Dr. Landry provided medical support in a number of significant world events including Vietnam, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the Beirut bombing of the Marine barracks, the first seven shuttle launches, and the first manned balloon crossing of the Pacific.

Dr. Landry focuses his efforts on older adults as a lecturer, researcher, consultant and author. He lives on Cape Cod.

 

Disclosure: Retire Richly is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our website then, at no cost to you, Retire Richly may receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase. Opinions, reviews, analysis and any recommendations are those of Retire Richly alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any external entities.

Next
Next

Book - Brain Rules for Aging Well - John Medina – Longevity